When discussing the best NBA guard play of all time, the conversation almost inevitably leads to Magic Johnson. During the 1980s, Magic's performance redefined the guard position. Standing at an impressive 6'9", his ability to play multiple positions was revolutionary. In his career, Magic averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. His court vision and passing skills were unparalleled, leading the Lakers to five NBA championships.
Magic's biggest rival, Larry Bird, also spoke highly of his talents. During one interview, Bird mentioned that playing against Magic always felt like a chess match, where every move mattered deeply. Magic's incredible skill set in moving the ball and setting up plays defined the era’s guard play.
Coming to another legend, Michael Jordan forever changed the landscape for shooting guards. Logging six NBA championships and five MVP awards, Jordan's career scoring average stands at 30.1 points per game, the highest in NBA history. His incredible work ethic and relentless drive pushed the Chicago Bulls to historic levels of success. To give you an idea of his dominance, Jordan led the league in scoring for ten seasons, an achievement no one else has come close to matching.
When Allen Iverson entered the league in 1996, he added a new layer of excitement to the guard position. Despite standing at only 6 feet, Iverson's heart, speed, and scoring ability made him one of the most electrifying players. Iverson averaged 26.7 points and 6.2 assists during his career. His work in the 2001 season, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals, cemented his legacy. The impact of his crossover dribble remains one of the most iconic moves in basketball history.
In recent years, Stephen Curry has redefined what it means to be a guard in the NBA. Curry's unique skill set includes unparalleled shooting ability, evidenced by his career 3-point shooting percentage of 43.2%. Curry's impact is best quantified by the Warriors' performance during their 2015-2016 season when they went 73-9, the best regular-season record in NBA history. Curry’s style of stretching the floor has influenced how modern basketball is played, emphasizing perimeter shooting more than ever before.
Kobe Bryant had a different style, blending Jordan's scoring prowess with his unique flair. Over his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant scored 33,643 points, making him one of the top scorers in NBA history. His five NBA championships and 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 are moments that illustrate his scoring ability and competitive spirit.
Consider Oscar Robertson, often referred to as the “Big O.” He averaged a triple-double for an entire season (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists) in 1961-1962, a feat unheard of at that time. Robertson's career averages of 25.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game set a template for what a versatile guard could achieve, long before triple-doubles became more common in the modern era.
Moving to the 90s, John Stockton stands out as one of the purest point guards in NBA history. Stockton owns the NBA record for both career assists (15,806) and steals (3,265), demonstrating not only his playmaking ability but also his defensive prowess. Alongside Karl Malone, Stockton made the Utah Jazz a perennial contender throughout the late 80s and 90s, even reaching the NBA Finals twice.
If we shift our focus to defense-first guards, Gary Payton, also known as “The Glove,” comes into the frame. Payton’s defensive skills led to nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year award. His lockdown defense and trash-talking abilities made him a nightmare for opposing guards.
Of course, any conversation about NBA guards must include Isiah Thomas, who led the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons to two consecutive NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. Averaging 19.2 points and 9.3 assists for his career, Thomas was known for his leadership and clutch performance, particularly in high-stakes games.
If we talk about versatility and athleticism, one can't overlook Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. Wade's lightning-speed and acrobatic finishes at the rim made him one of the most exciting guards to watch. Wade won three NBA championships and finished his career with averages of 22 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Among current NBA guards, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers deserves mention. Known for his incredible shooting range and scoring ability, Lillard's career averages of 24.5 points and 6.6 assists per game highlight his offensive prowess. "Dame Time" has become a term synonymous with his ability to hit clutch shots, often from well beyond the three-point line.
The evolution of the guard position in the NBA is a testament to the incredible talents that have graced the court over the decades. Each era brought its own set of challenges and styles, yet all these players share one thing in common: their ability to dominate the game. For more information about the finest in NBA guard play, visit arena plus.